PESCOROCCHIANO

Location: Civitella, Pescorocchiano, Rieti (Italy) — 42.2079 N, 13.1776 E

Dating: 4th–2nd centuries BC

Characteristics: A modern church occupies the site of an earlier sanctuary enclosed within a substantial polygonal circuit. Local historical records describe the church and adjoining cemetery as having reoccupied this earlier sacred enclosure rather than creating a new one. Additionally, excavations at the site brought to light a votive deposit dated to the Middle Republican period (late 4th–mid 2nd century BC) inside the sanctuary area. That deposit provides the strongest chronological anchor for the sacred complex. The surviving masonry is generally interpreted as a polygonal terrace or enclosure construction, likely intended to create and define a ceremonial platform on the hillside. As with several nearby sites (Chiesa di San Lorenzo, Chiesetta Alpina, Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie), the pattern appears to be common in the Rieti region. The main polygonal terrace wall still in existence stretches for over 60 meters and includes a gateway. Additional stone blocks can be seen at the base of the church and scattered along the hillside.

Polygonal classification: Mainly types II-III (Lugli) with some evidence of Type IV blocks

Attribution: The walls are attributed to the Aequi inhabiting the Cicolano region prior to full Roman integration.

Specific points to see:

• Chiesa di Sant’Angelo